Shelby native explores Pack basketball history in documentary

Tor Ramsey had an idea back in 1992, not long after he graduated from N.C. State.

He wanted to make a movie about the history of N.C. State basketball. But upon writing a letter to Shelby native Hoyt Bailey about the possible project, he realized the timing wasn’t right.

Clark Leonard

Tor Ramsey had an idea back in 1992, not long after he graduated from N.C. State.

He wanted to make a movie about the history of N.C. State basketball. But upon writing a letter to Shelby native Hoyt Bailey about the possible project, he realized the timing wasn’t right.

After attending New York University and gaining experience in the film industry in California, Ramsey caught a major break in 2008 when he heard about some old film canisters in Reynolds Coliseum dating back to the Everett Case era.

That set in motion the process of Ramsey beginning to get footage from the days when Case, Norm Sloan and Jim Valvano patrolled the sidelines for the Pack. It proved pivotal in making possible his documentary “Running With the Pack,” which runs roughly three hours and was released in December.

‘This is not a highlight reel’

While the Ramsey-directed film features video from days gone by, he said the interviews with former players are what help drive the story.

It begins with when James Naismith invented basketball, then picks up with the start of the N.C. State program in 1911. “Running” also delves into Case’s contributions to the Atlantic Coast Conference, bringing practices such as cutting down the nets from Indiana high school basketball and playing up the entertainment aspect of the game.

One of the players interviewed is Joe Harand, a Shelby resident and the last surviving member of Case’s first State team.

Another interview that stood out to Ramsey came when Eddie Biedenbach choked up talking about David Thompson’s fall at Reynolds.

Then there was the comic relief of Chucky Brown and the philosophical contributions of Vic Bubas and Terry Gannon.

“This is not a highlight reel,” Ramsey said.

He also said the movie will likely invoke the emotions Valvano cited as crucial in his famous ESPY speech: “think, laugh and cry.”

Partners more than 20 years later

A rewarding aspect of making the documentary for Ramsey, now 45 and living in Raleigh, was getting to reconnect with Wolfpack great Chris Corchiani. Ramsey was a manager for the basketball team in Corchiani’s first two seasons at State.

Corchiani and his wife, Stewart, came on board as producers because of their belief in the project.

“Tor Ramsey just did a remarkable job. His talent level is second to none, and seeing what he did and the amount of time he put into this, I’m very appreciative as an ex-player that someone like Tor took the initiative,” Corchiani said.

Corchiani helped Ramsey in setting up interviews with former players. He also called Ramsey one night and told him he was about to eat at Amedeo’s with current N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried. Ramsey joined them and talked about the documentary, and Gottfried liked the idea.

Program’s resurgence helped

A buzz has built around the Wolfpack program since Gottfried’s team reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2012 and was the preseason ACC favorite this season.

With some of the delays from when Ramsey originally wanted to release the film over the last few years, the timing is impeccable. It’s no longer just a reminder of past basketball glory.

“It almost looks like it was planned, even though it wasn’t,” Ramsey said.

He noted how that feeds into the most important part of a movie: His ending. Having a positive way to look forward didn’t hurt.

“The excitement level of where the program currently is had a lot to do with really making it come together. The documentary would have been special,” Corchiani said. “The past is wonderful, but people also want to know where it’s going.”

Where can you find “Running With the Pack?”

The DVD, directed and edited by Shelby native Tor Ramsey and released in December, is available at www.RunningWithThePackDVD.com. Ramsey is a 1985 Shelby High graduate and earned his communication degree at N.C. State in 1990.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.